Muppets named NYC's 2012 Family Ambassadors

Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great and Pepe the King Prawn Friday to announce the gang will be the city’s official family ambassadors this year.

“The Muppets believe in dreaming big – just like New Yorkers,” Bloomberg said. “Extending the NYC Family Ambassador program beyond the summer and for the entire year will aid us in attracting more family visitors year round and therefore help us reach our goal of attracting 55 million visitors to New York City annually by 2015.”

The Muppets will encourage families to travel to the Big Apple to dine, shop and play.
“I’ve loved New York ever since I arrived in its harbor and saw that the Statue of Liberty is green. What a welcome!” said Kermit the Frog.

On the city’s website, the Muppets will share their favorite things to do in the city; Miss Piggy will offer the best shopping spots, Kermit the Frog will help visitors get around the five boroughs, and Swedish Chef will share his favorite foods.

Last year, 15 million family visitors contributed about $14 million to the city’s economy.
Since the Family Ambassador program started three years ago, family visitation has increased by nearly 15 percent, officials said.

The Muppets are the fourth Family Ambassadors. Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer and The Smurfs also had the honor.

Where the heck was this? I was in NYC all last week and weekend and didn't hear of this. Then again I apparently also missed Dr Who filming in Central Park. Also why is the video now deemed private?

Thing is, after spending 7 days walking what seemed like every square inch of NYC, I can say it is beyond safe. Its a DEFINITE change from 1986 when I was went as a kid. People are very helpful and friendly. Ya can ride the subway at 3am and feel safe as theres always people.

Ha, I can see Gonzo totally promoting people visit Williamsburg Brooklyn, for its endless array of hipster vintage clothing stores.

aww nevermind, I searched "bloomberg muppets" and the whole thing came up. very cool. Yeah walking around NYC for a week, I was thinking 'I think its about time for the Muppets to retake Manhattan' as well as how safe the place is